
9 minute read
Reflection: A Poem Inspiration from the Chaplain’s Chair
More than a reflection, she is the sum total of worth, elegance, and grace. The majesty and determination encompass the very essence of her face. A genuine vision of victory, a timeless treasure that sits before me A simply divine creation in this mirror is what I see
Her captivating eye possess mystic, passion, and humility these eyes see worthiness; they envision purpose, promise and endless possibility Images of courage, strength, and Fortitude embraces her contours evenly
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The reflection I see exudes, cooperation, and tenacity This mirror detects outlines of wisdom and shades of Loyalty It holds distinguishing traits emphasizing purity and fidelity Traces of perfection, worthy of a throne, this is a queen of character with dignity
I see poise, I see competence with precision staring back at me I see an illuminating smile that encapsulates the spirit courtesy and compassion
She brings live, distinction, and a legacy of service beyond expectation Behold the beauty before me is perfectly molded to stand out, participate
To shine, to love, to serve, and to motivate I am what I see, this mirror holds the reflection of you and me.
-Soror Sheila Wilson

Inspiration From the Chaplain’s Chair
Positive Thinking
Soror Deidre Capers
The Word of God records to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 King James Version).
As we embrace positive thinking, let’s lean on God in all matters. Let us remember:
When we feel ourselves harboring resentment and malice, or holding a grudge, ask God to “create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us” (Psalm 51:10 King James Version).
When we feel as though we want to get revenge for mistreatment, be reminded that “vengeance in not ours; it belongs to the Lord” (Romans 12:19 King James Version).
If we feel as though we are not enough, not the right weight, or didn’t get the promotion, begin to “praise the Lord and thank Him that we are still “fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that our souls knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14 King James Version).
At any point in our day, we want to “go off” or share some choice words with someone, ask God to “let our speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that we may know how we ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6 King James Version). As the enemy rears his head in matters, pray and ask God to help us to “keep our peace, while He fights our battles” (Exodus 14:14 King James Version).
At a time when a blatant attack is visible, remember to ask the Lord to grant us “the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 King James Version).
When we need protection, remind God that He is our “refuge and fortress, in Him we will trust” (Psalm 91:2 King James Version).
If it appears as though defeat is in the air, begin to thank God that “victory is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57 King James Version).
As we seek healing, encourage ourselves and pray, “Lord, by Your stripes, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 King James Version).
Finally, when chaos and calamity are all around us, ask God to “help us to keep our mind stayed on Thee, and keep us in perfect peace for we trust in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3 King James Version).
Our committees have been hard at work, carrying out the business of Delta! For the first half of the sororal year, a total of 17 initiatives, programs, actions of service, chapter-member engagements and fund-raising events, have been implemented. On behalf of Leadership, the FORTitude is pleased to SPOTLIGHT the efforts of the following committees, for innovative and creative programing: EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Jacquelyn Washington-Brown, Chair, Delta Academy – Doreene McGill, Delta G.E.M.S. – Felice Sallie, E.M.B.O.D.I. – Bridget Light, EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM: Te’Nia Morrison, Chair, FUNDRAISING (Ways &Means): Tonia Clare Jones, Chair, MEMBERSHIP SERVICES: Melissa Robinson-Ellis, MILITARY SERVICES AND SUPPORT: Bridgette Giacomucci, Chair, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH: Nikkia Lee, Chair
Check out the following COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT Gold Top Pages for a recap of everything we’ve done in 2021.
LEADERSHIP RETREAT – New Bern, N.C.
The FBAAC Executive Board held its annual Leadership Retreat in New Bern, N.C., on August 6th 8th. It was the first time that the board held a destination retreat to get a fresh perspective. The weekend was filled with love, laughter, and sisterly bonding as they handled the business of FBAAC.
SISTERHOOD SOCIAL – Membership Services
The Membership Services committee started off the year with a social for chapter members on August 13th, at the Treyburn Clubhouse, in Fayetteville, N.C. Good food, good fellowship, fun and of course…strolling were the order of business!


DELTA RED CARPET EVENT FOR THE QUEEN OF SOUL –Arts and Letters

Arts and Letters first event was a Red- Carpet Affair on August 15th , that featured the movie RESPECT, based on the life of Music Legend and Honorary member, Soror Aretha Franklin at Millstone 14 theater, in Hope Mills, N.C., where Sorors and guests were treated to a private showing. Arts and Letters also hosted “Movie Night Under the Stars: Backyard Edition”, at the home of our Vice President. The committee treated Sorors to good oldfashioned comfort food, old school movie candy and popcorn! Sorors were able to stretch out in lawn chairs and enjoy “REALLY LOVE” on Netflix.


YARD SALE WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – Military Services and Support
Our Military Services and Support committee pulled off another successful event! The 3rd Annual Yard Sale was held on September 28th, in the parking lot of Tru Fit Gym, in Hope Mills, N.C. The event hosted approximately 34 vendors, who provided shoppers with a variety of items to purchase, including clothing, furniture, jewelry, home décor, small appliances, and novelty pieces. The Yard Sale also offered free COVID-19 testing and vaccines. The event raised over $ 1,108.00 for use during our holiday celebration for selected military families.
LINE DANCE CELEBRATION FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – Mental and Physical Health Committee

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Mental and Physical Health Committee helped the chapter mark the occasion with a Breast Cancer Survivor Line Dance Celebration, on October 20th , at the College Lakes Recreation Center, in Fayetteville, N.C. Soror Patricia White and her community line dance class raised the roof, as we honored survivors and helped to raise awareness for this great cause! Close to 100 Sorors, survivors and friends joined in the celebration! October was also Domestic Violence Month. The committee marked the occasion with an informational PSA.
DINNER EN ROUGE – Membership Services
Membership Services always aims to please with a variety of programing and events to promote Joy in our Sisterhood. Dinner En Rouge, an elegant popup picnic event, was staged on Fort Bragg’s Smith Lake, from 3pm until sunset. Sorors received location information along with instructions for setup and what to bring, via email on the day of the event. The afternoon was filled with reflection, food, music, linedancing, and a healthy competition between tables, for the best decor.


YOUTH INITIATIVES GET OFF TO A GREAT START –Educational Development
The Youth Initiatives Programs kicked off their program year virtually, on October 31, 2021. Guests, parents, and youth were given an overview of each of the Youth Initiative programs, along with Risk Management requirements and calendar of events. Groups were assigned to breakout rooms where they were able to get acquainted with youth leaders from delta Academy, Delta G.E.M.S. and E.M.B.O.D.I. and fellow participants.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD! – Membership Services
On November 16, 2021, the Membership Committee sponsored another virtual observance of the chapter’s charter anniversary. “Cheers for 25 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service” commemorating 25 years of service to our community. There were 103 current and former chapter members on Zoom, for the occasion. 10 of the 12 past presidents give perspective on their leadership through the years; and representatives from each of the five lines gave remarks. The program consisted of the Chapter’s history of community service, poems; historical videos and digital photographs, which captured the many things that our Chapter has achieved. Sorors from far and near, remained long after the program was over, reminiscing and catching up.
RED alERTs FOR THE NATIONAL CONVENTION – Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team made sure that Sorors participating in-person were prepared for the National Convention by providing PPE goodie bags filled with hand sanitizer, lotion, N95 masks and travel wipes, along with reminders and tips for safe travel! For Sorors attending virtually, the team give advice regarding connectivity, and the need to stretch every hour.



November also came with a Call to Convention; the ultimate place where DELTA BUSINESS gets done! Fort Bragg Sorors did not disappoint! The chapter participated both in-person and virtually in the Sorority’s first hybrid National Convention to witness our chapter receiving the National President’s Vision Award for “Exemplary Program Implementation that Reflects Joy in Our Sisterhood”! (Photos for this collage taken from those posted to the CHAPTER’S FACEBOOK page with the National Convention frame)



The Mental and Physical Health Committee hosted a virtual forum on WORLD AIDS AWARENESS DAY, to give participants an opportunity to hear from health professionals who provided education on the history of disease progression; and to heighten awareness of the present state of HIV and AIDS in our community. Over 50 participants attended the event, with 240 views on social media.
Grow With Google – Technology Team
The Technology Team hosted its 1st session of the Chapter’s “Grow with Google” series in support of Delta’s national initiative. “Delta D.E.A.R.S Spicing up Technology with our Seasoned Sorors”, was an introductory session for Sorors to get acquainted with the platform.
FORT BRAGG CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING– Military Services and Support
FBAAC continued its yearly support of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Fort Bragg Military Installation. Each year chapter Sorors man Santa’s Tent to spread Christmas cheer and help families take pictures with Santa! Chapter members facilitated the flow of families coming through the tent; took pictures; assisted with strollers and encouraged the “Little Ones” to bravely sit with Santa and Mrs. Klaus! Some 200 people were served.

